There is a fitness trend that must STOP.
To be honest I could list at least 5 fitness or weight loss trends that I wouldn’t mind seeing fall off the face of the earth, but today I am only going to focus on the one that has been making my skin crawl this spring. It actually has nothing to do with the way we exercise.
It has to do with the way the weight loss industry uses false advertising to make money. I absolutely hate trainers, gyms, studios, supplement companies that claim their is an easy way to loose weight, get in shape, or gain strength. So here is my rant to all the false advertisers out there:
To the parts of the fitness & weight loss industry that claim “Loose 10 lbs in 2 Weeks”
Or any of the other short term, quick fix nonsense. You are not helping. These ads are making the general public believe that weight loss is fast and easy. It is not! Maybe you can do what you claim, but is it healthy & at what cost to the clients wellbeing?
You must stop lying to the public.
These misconceptions are turning the fitness industry into the sleazy car sales men. Our clients are just going to run from one failed attempt to another. Never seeing the change they want because they keep reaching out to the next “easy answer” someone provides them.
This does not apply to every fitness center/weight loss clinic, but you know the ones that are doing this.
If you have ever felt wrong pitching a client with one of these sales schemes, you’re not alone. You do not have to. Period. If you’re employer forces you to, than maybe it’s time to find a new employer.
Let’s get real honest with our clients.
To change our bodies we have to work real hard. We have to commit to lifestyle changes, possibly sacrificing some bad habits and adopting some healthier ones. It takes time. It takes energy. It is a journey, not a race! It’s not all fun and games, but it shouldn’t be miserable either!
The culture behind these lies has created unachievable expectations.
People are now taking extreme measures to overhaul their entire lives, only to rebound and bounce back to old habits if your “2 week” plan does not work. It’s discouraging to fail at your goals with your time limit is restrictive and leaves no room for mistakes.
Image is not everything
When you promote these sneaky little programs you are also promoting the part of the industry I despise the most. The Instagrammers who became famous for their 6 pack, the “get this body” programming, and the pictures of models instead of real people. IMAGE IS NOT EVERYTHING. There is so much more benefit to healthy eating and moving than that 6 pack you’re advertising. Mass media beats us over the head with the “ideal image” I want our industry to be better than that! Please stop shaming people into buying your products. <–It’s just plain mean!
Your lies are not sexy.
Extreme diets, fad detoxes, and weight loss miracle solutions are not as sexy as you think those pictures you’re using are! Why are you using pictures of professional figure models that whom has obviously been working on her physique for months. STOP STOP STOP! You’re not fooling me, and you should stop trying to trick everyone else!
To the public reading tired of reading those messages: Here’s how to survive!
This is for fitness enthusiast trying to loose the last 10 pounds and for beginners who are looking to start their weight loss journey to health.
Don’t fall into the trap.
That is exactly what those types of marketing schemes are. Traps! We need to be asking the right questions in these situations. What are they asking of you in return for the “easy fix”? Will this weight loss be healthy and sustainable?
Loosing weight is hard work
Don’t let anyone convince you otherwise. It is a rewarding journey, but there is effort involved. This hard work includes mindfulness, moderation, and mistakes. You have to be willing to evaluate your lifestyle now, find the one or two small changes you can make and get to work. You can hire coaches, and trainers, and dietitians, but until you are willing to meet them halfway and put in your energy and effort you are going to be continually searching for the next “fix it” method.
For real sustainable results you have to focus on real change, not a easy fix.
Sustainable results area better goal. What is the use of fitting into that little red dress for your high school reunion if by christmas you have gained it all back? If you want to live a healthier, stronger, more fit lifestyle you have to chase sustainable methods and continued results. That quick fix “loose 10 in 2” crap just ain’t gonna cut it.
Don’t let the false advertising of the weight loss industry fool you!
Do your research, ask questions, seek real & sustainable results. You don’t have to suffer through your weight loss journey, but you do have to put it the elbow grease. If it was easy, it wouldn’t be worth it. Be cautious of the “quick & easy weight lost tip, trick or system” You are only continuing your habit of fad diets that don’t give you real healthy results. You may be setting yourself up for failure, rebound, and weight gain!
End Rant!